Mahoning GOP Party recommends three to replace Belinky

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Republican Party recommended Gov. John Kasich choose from three candidates to fill the vacant county probate court judicial seat.

Four candidates applied with the only one not recommended to the Republican governor being Susan Maruca, the endorsed county Democratic Party’s candidate in the May 6 primary for the job.

Writing on behalf of the eight-person screening committee, county GOP Chairman Mark Munroe wrote a letter today to Kasich’s office recommending Christopher Sammarone, who is challenging Maruca in the Democratic primary; and Mary Ann Fabrizi and Robert N. Rusu Jr., who are planning to run as independents for the seat.

It will now be Kasich’s decision as to who will fill Belinky’s unexpired term. Belinky, under criminal investigation by the state, resigned March 14.